I’ve been told that the curve ball is one of the hardest pitches to hit because the ball looks like it’s going to come across the plate at a certain spot and then at the last second it changes course.  Life is the same way.  We all hope and plan that our lives will go a certain route and then out of the blue, things change and we wind up in situations that we never thought we would be in.  Christians are told to walk by faith and not by sight and if you keep that in mind along with the belief that Romans 8:28 is true in that all things will work together for our good, then you will learn over time how to hit the curve balls that come your way.

Unexpected events can either be a blessing or a curse depending on your attitude.  If you are an optimist, you will embrace change and respond with the attitude that you have been given an opportunity to begin something new and different.  If you are a pessimist, you will not take kindly to change and resist it and want everything to remain as it has always been.  Changes are to make you better and not bitter.  How will you ever know the extent of what you can do if you never risk doing something you have never done.

The Apostle Paul tells us that we are to forget those things that are behind us and to press forward to those things that are ahead of us.  As 2013 draws to a close, no matter what your circumstances are right now, embrace the new year.  The unfortunate things that happen to you do not define you.  Your response to what happens in your life defines who you really are and if you have the Lord Jesus Christ with you, there is nothing you will be unable to do even if it means starting over.  You might feel sorry for yourself because you are not in the place you want to be but if you open your eyes, you will see that you are in a better position that many.  Be thankful for what you do have and realize that it is only by the grace of God that you are here today.

When life throws you a curve ball, hold on to God’s unchanging hands and believe in your heart that you will make it through.  If you can’t see very far ahead of you right now, walk as far as you can see and trust that your heavenly Father will order your steps in His word.  When life throws you a curve ball, stand firm in the batter’s box with your head held high and hit that ball out of the park!